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Outdoor Program

In This Site

The Westminster Outdoor Program exemplifies Westminster's unique environment for learning, which is located minutes from world-class skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the local Wasatch Mountains. Beyond the Wasatch lie Utah's red rock deserts, wild rivers, and vast wilderness areas—all of which become both Westminster's playground and classroom.

Through meaningful outdoor experiences, the Outdoor Program helps students to develop leadership, technical skills, self-awareness, character, and stewardship. Student leadership is a priority for the program and most outdoor trips are student-led. Graduates who were a part of the Outdoor Program often leave Westminster having weeks of valuable field experience, advanced certifications, and an understanding of how lessons learned in the outdoors can apply to other areas of college, career, and everyday life.

Whether you're joining us for an evening hike or a weekend in the backcountry, you'll most likely learn something new, meet interesting people, and spend time in awe-inspiring places.

Upcoming Trips and Events

Westminster students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their guests are welcome to participate in outdoor program trips and events. We're committed to supporting anyone who is interested in getting involved regardless of skill level, previous experience, or equipment needs. Contact outdoorprogram@westminsteru.edu with any questions or if you would like to participate but cannot pay the entire event fee. While modest, the Outdoor Program Participation Fund is designed to help in these cases.

students practicing administering first aid to an individual

Wilderness First Responder/WEMT Course

March 08–March 12
All day


This is a Hybrid Wilderness First Responder course through the Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC). This course requires 40+ hours of independent online study and testing (Part 1) prior to the in-person practical session (Part 2) March 8-12, 2024. Westminster students wishing to receive academic credit for this course (2) should first register for OEL 245A. Email twhite@westminsteru.edu if you have questions or need help getting registered. If you're hoping to take this course to complete your WEMT, please contact us for more information.

Cost:
$550 for Westminster Outdoor Program Student Employee's (not for credit)

$625 for Westminster Community: Students (not for credit), Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and graduates of WMTC courses through Westminster

$450 for Members of the Public (Part 2 practical session only) MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED PART 1 THROUGH WMTC FOR THIS OPTION WMTC (WMTC Part 2 Registration Only)

WMTC Registration (Part 1 and 2)
students practicing first aid outdoors

Wilderness First Responder/WEMT Recertification Course

March 30–March 31
All day


This is a Hybrid Wilderness First Responder course through the Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC). View the course syllabus. Westminster students wishing to receive academic credit for a recertification (1) should first register for OEL 245B. People holding current WAFA, WFR, or WEMT certifications can use this course to recertify. You must pass the WAFA, WFR or WEMT Recertification online exams (Part 1) before attending the in-person practical session for this course (Part 2). List of currently approved providers.

Cost:

$225 Westminster Outdoor Program Student Employee's (not for credit)

$275 for Westminster Community: Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and graduates of WMTC courses through Westminster (includes the Part 1 independent study and the Part 2 practical session) $325 Members of the Public

$185 for Members of the Public (includes the Part 2 practical session only) MUST HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED PART 1 THROUGH WMTC FOR THIS OPTION (WMTC Part 2 Registration Only)

WMTC Registration(Part 1 and 2)

Ongoing Events

 

female student in kayak in rocky water

Kayak Roll Sessions

Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m., starting October 31

Location: HWAC Pool

Come practice your roll and kayaking skills! Sessions are open to everyone, including the public. No prior experience required.

Cost: Free for current students

female student getting into harness to climb rock wll

Intro Climbing Hour

Fridays, 1:00 p.m.

Location: Bishop’s Wall in Eccles HWAC

This time is dedicated to new climbers who want to “learn the ropes." No equipment or experience required– just come ready to climb. If you haven’t already, please complete the Climbing Wall Registration before arriving.

Cost: Free

 

Refund and Cancellation Policy

  • If there is a fee, you must pay for the trip or event before you are considered to be registered. Email outdoorprogram@westminsteru.edu if you're having trouble with payment.
  • If you register for a trip and cancel before the registration deadline (if applicable), you can receive a refund for the trip.
  • If you register for a trip and cancel before the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), but after the registration deadline (if applicable), you can apply the registration fees as a credit toward a future trip with the Outdoor Program within the same academic school year.
  • If you cancel after the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), no refunds or credits will be given.
  • You MUST attend scheduled pre-trip meetings for trips if applicable. Meeting dates and times vary and will be included in event information. If you do not attend the meeting and have not made other arrangements with us to get trip information, your spot on the trip may be forfeited. Email outdoorprogram@westminsteru.edu with any questions or concerns about attending pre-trip meetings.
  • No refunds for Wilderness First Responder/First Aid/re-certifications, avalanche certification courses, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course will be given unless the Outdoor Program cancels the event.

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